Cook County, Illinois
County clerk guides for Cook County.
Cook County marriage license at a glance
The essentials for getting a marriage license in Cook County, taken from our verified county guide. Confirm details with the official office before you go.
| License fee | $60. |
|---|---|
| Waiting period | 24 hours after issuance (Illinois statewide rule), waivable by petitioning the court. |
| License validity | 60 days, beginning one day after the date of issuance (Illinois statewide rule). |
| Documents / ID required | Valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants. No Illinois residency required, but you must obtain the license from the county where your ceremony will take place. |
| Where & how to apply | Three options: (1) begin the application online and finish signing in person at a Clerk's office, (2) apply fully in person, or (3) use the Virtual Marriage License video-call program, by appointment, Monday–Friday between roughly 9:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. |
Full Cook County marriage license guide →
Illinois rules that apply in Cook County
These come from Illinois state law, so they are the same in every county:
- Minimum age to marry: 18 without consent; 16–17 may marry with parental consent. Under 16 cannot marry.
- Waiting period: 24 hours after the license is issued (waivable by petitioning the court for an exception).
- License validity: 60 days, beginning one day after the date of issuance.
- Blood test required: No
How the fee compares
The standard fee we have verified for Cook County is $60. Across the 81 counties and cities ClerkGuide has researched so far, standard fees run from $20 to $172, with a median of $76 — so this one is higher than about 32% of them. See fees state by state →
Cook County vs. other Illinois counties
Fees are set locally, so they can differ noticeably even inside one state. Here is how the Illinois counties we cover line up, cheapest first:
| DuPage County, Illinois | $35 standard |
|---|---|
| Cook County | $60 standard |
| Champaign County | $75 standard |
More: all Illinois marriage license requirements · getting married in a different county.